On behalf of Cooper & Tanis, P.C. posted in child custody on Thursday, September 17, 2015.

Colorado residents might benefit from learning more about some of the potential issues that arise out of many custody battles throughout the country. When one parent attempt to alienate children against the other parent, a family judge may intervene and order reunification therapy if it is in the best interest of the children.

The term parental alienation syndrome first gained prominence during the 1980s. However, not everyone agrees with all of the methods used by some of the reunification therapies in operation. There is also worry that the allegations may have merit and that the child could be returned to a hostile environment where they are exposed to abuse, coercion or threats. In order to assist the reunification process, the judge may prohibit the custodial parent from contacting the children for up to three months.

There are also judges who refuse to endorse any order for sending a child into reunification therapy. Critics have described the therapy as intense deprogramming session that can be traumatic for the child. There have been several mental health professionals who have publicly supported judges refusing requests for reunification therapy. The judge’s foremost priority is to choose whichever form of therapy is in the best interest of the child.

A parent who is going through a bitter divorce and who feels that the other spouse is manipulating the children may want to bring this issue up with a family law attorney, who might provide advice on how to best manage the situation while fulfilling the best interests of the child. Judges making child custody decisions usually want to have both parents involved in their children’s lives to the extent possible.